Prologue:Always More Then One Story
Warning! Warning! Approaching planet destination! I repeat! Approaching planet destination! Prepare for entry!
The sound of the alarm awoke the only occupant of the small ship out of his slumber. With tired blue-green eyes he gave his surroundings a once over before running his fingers through his sliver locks. After a moment to recollect his thoughts, the boy shifted his hand in front of his face before sighing deeply. He threw his gaze towards the window in front of him, the planet becoming bigger and bigger the longer his ship approached it.
The silvered haired boy closed his eyes, gazing at the flection in front of him.
~
“Are you out of your mind!?”
Riku cringed, despite not being the one being yelled at. He looked over the rather short mouse that stood in defiance to the much taller and, admittedly, more opposing looking wizard. Both, while different in everything about each other, held an air of both power and superiority that seems to completely dwarf the newly appointed Keyblade Master.
“No. I am not out of mind Master Yin Sid.” The mouse said in an even, yet dangerously bitter tone that, despite his high pitched voice, was on equal tone with the wizard before him. “We need Sora combat ready as soon as possible. The mission that he was sent on will not only help him in the long run of things but also strengthen the resolve he’s losing ever since he's been confined on that island. It’s a judgment call that I believe that was the correct one.”
“But to send him on such a difficult mission in the state that he is in?!” Yin Sid drew back in his chair sighing deeply. “It was a fool’s decision King Mickey.”
“I believe in Sora.” The mouse said as he crossed his arms. “I know you can feel the heartless seeping through to that world at an alarming rate now.”
Yen Sid's eyes narrowed, the weight of his years evident in the deep lines etched across his face. His gaze bore into King Mickey, searching for any sign of doubt. But the mouse stood firm, his small frame radiating an unyielding resolve that even the ancient wizard could not easily dismiss.
"I am well aware of the growing darkness," Yen Sid said, his voice a low rumble. "But belief alone does not safeguard against the perils that Sora faces. The heartless are not mere shadows to be brushed aside—they are the embodiment of darkness, growing stronger with every passing moment. Sora is already burdened by the weight of his previous battles. To send him into the fray without sufficient preparation is to risk losing him to that very darkness."
King Mickey's expression softened for just a moment, a flicker of concern passing over his features. "I understand your worries, Master. But Sora has a light that shines brighter than any I’ve ever known. It’s precisely because of that light that he needs to face these challenges head-on. If we shield him from every danger, we’ll only be weakening the resolve that has carried him this far."
“Once again, in the state that he is in he may very well cause the end of that very world you are trying to save Mickey.” Yin Sid shook his head as he sighed softly. “I am sorry old friend but I am sending Riku to retrieve him and that is final.”
“Master!!” The mouse called out as Yin Sid turned to walk out the room, Riku, after giving Mickey a backwards glace, turned away to follow after the old wizard. Not a word was uttered until they were well away from the mouse, Riku being the one to break the frigid silence.
“Master Yin Sid. Think I can speak openly?”
“You have free will you know, and we are equals after all Master Riku.” The old wizard said with a wave of his hand.
“Master…Is it so bad for Sora to go on this mission? I mean…It might give him a chance to clear his head.”
“Or a chance to doom a world detrimental in our war against the Darkness.” Yin Sid rebutted.
“Master, I know Sora has been…well…out of it of sort, part if not all of that is due to me, but I still think that Sora is capable of what he has to do to help everyone.”
Yin Sid stopped before turning to face him. “He nearly lost himself to the darkness the last mission he was on Riku. What’s to say it won’t do so again?”
“He did so to protect those around him!” Riku defended.
"And what will happen when Sora is forced to make that choice again? Will he continue to sacrifice himself until there is nothing left of the light within him? Darkness is patient, Riku. It waits for the moment when the heart is at its weakest, when the burden of protecting others becomes too much to bear. If Sora falters… if he succumbs… it could mean the end not just for him, but for everything we’ve fought to protect."
“Then I won’t let him!” Riku said. “That world needs to be saved right? Then let me help him.”
Yin Sid looked towards the silver haired youth. “You do know…that you might be the last person he wants to see right now?”
"Maybe," Riku admitted, his voice quieter now, tinged with a mix of regret and determination. "But that’s exactly why I need to be the one to go. I need to show him that I’m still here for him, that I’ll stand by him no matter what. If I don’t… if I let him go through this on his own… I’m afraid we’ll both lose something far more important than just another battle."
The Wizard looked towards Riku, the determination within the boy’s eyes reaching a fiery point. With a heavy sigh Yin Sid turned away before muttering “Fine…Do as you wish.” As he walked down the pathway the old wizard began to mutter quietly to himself, most of which Riku couldn’t catch a word of.
Riku watched as Yen Sid walked away, the wizard's words barely audible as they trailed off into the distance. The weight of the moment settled on Riku’s shoulders, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling within him. He had convinced Yen Sid to let him go, but the true challenge was still ahead. Sora was out there, facing dangers that Riku could only imagine, and the burden of that reality weighed heavily on his heart.
~
Riku sighed at the memory as he let his gaze fall upon the planet below. “Just don’t mess things up too much Sora.” He said with a soft chuckle. “Can’t clean up all of your messes.”
Riku’s chuckle faded into a quiet sigh as he continued to stare at the planet below, its surface a swirling mix of colors and shadows. The ship’s hum was a steady backdrop, a comforting constant in the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Despite the lighthearted words he had spoken, Riku couldn’t fully shake the unease in his chest.
~
Equestria
????
“This… is weird…”
Riku couldn’t help but mutter the words as he stepped out of the hidden Gummi Ship, his new hooves clopping against the rocky terrain. The unfamiliar sound made his new ears twitch involuntarily, and he couldn’t help but sit down, trying to take it all in. Everything felt strange, but fascinatingly so.
He glanced down at his new form, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sight. Thick, light gray fur now covered his body, which, if he was guessing right, had taken on an equine shape. He flexed his limbs experimentally, the feeling of moving with hooves instead of hands or feet disconcerting but not entirely uncomfortable. It was certainly better than some of the other forms he’d taken on during past travels—especially the one from that animal forest world. He shuddered at the memory and made a silent vow never to speak of that experience again.
Riku’s gaze shifted to his sides, where a pair of bat-like wings folded neatly against his back. He gave them a small flap, feeling the muscles respond to his will. A different take on a pegasus, he supposed, though the bat wings gave him a bit of an edge. He had to admit, they were pretty cool.
At least he wasn’t completely naked—his tan jacket and black undershirt still covered the upper part of his torso, which was a small comfort. It wasn’t much, but it helped him feel a little more like himself, even in this strange new form.
As his gaze continued downward, Riku noticed something on his flanks that made him do a double take. There, emblazoned on his backside, was the unmistakable mark of a Keyblade Master. He frowned slightly, shifting to get a better look. It was like a tattoo but also wasn't?
Riku reached up to run a hoof through his mane, feeling the long strands of hair brush against his neck. “Wasn’t this shorter?” he muttered to himself, remembering how Kairi had cut it before she left on her mission with Donald and Goofy. It seemed to have grown back, now cascading down the side of his neck in long, silvery waves.
“Well, this is going to take some getting used to,” he said aloud, his voice carrying a note of acceptance. Strange as it was, he’d faced worse before. And as long as it helped him blend in—and maybe even gave him a few advantages—he could work with it.
“Right…Enough fooling around. I need to find out where Sora is.” Picking a random direction to go, the Keyblade Master began his first steps in the latest chapter of his newest journey through the unknown world of Equestira. With head held high and adventure in his heart, he would find his childhood friend no matter what.
Or at least, that was the plan—until he was promptly tackled from the side by something fast and unexpectedly solid.
The collision sent Riku sprawling, both he and his assailant grunting in a mix of pain and surprise as they tumbled across the rocky ground. The world spun around him until he finally came to a stop, his back slamming into the ground with a solid thud. The impact knocked the wind out of him, and the added weight of whoever had barreled into him didn’t help matters.
For a moment, everything was still, save for the pained groans of the one who had tackled him. Riku tried to catch his breath, his chest heaving as he lay on the ground. He felt the other presence start to move, slowly lifting themselves off him. As soon as their eyes met, Riku’s breath hitched, his curiosity piqued by the sight before him.
He hadn’t expected to see what he saw.
The figure standing over him was indeed equine, much like his own new form, but there were striking differences. She—Riku was almost certain it was a she—had a delicate, almost ethereal appearance. Her face was a soft ivory, framed by a flowing, dark aquamarine mane that cascaded down her neck. Her eyes, large and filled with confusion and fear, sparkled with an unusual intensity, and her mouth revealed sharp, almost predatory teeth that caught the light in a way that made Riku’s pulse quicken.
A twisted, curved horn jutted from her forehead, giving her an air of wildness. The rest of her body was covered by a bright green, almost armor-like material that seemed to blend with her natural coloring. But what truly caught Riku’s attention were her legs—each one was riddled with small holes, as if something had carved them out.
Both Riku and the odd black creature stared at each other, the tension between them palpable as neither seemed willing to make the first move. The silence stretched on, each waiting for the other to act, until something in the distance caught the creature’s attention. Her head snapped to the side, eyes widening in renewed fear. Without warning, she pushed herself off Riku and attempted to break into a quick gallop, but her escape was short-lived. She stumbled almost immediately, a sharp yelp of pain escaping her as she fell to the ground.
Riku’s eyes followed her, noting the way she glanced back at one of her hind legs. His gaze fell upon the swollen, dark purple area near the base of her leg. It looked painful, and it was clear she wouldn’t be able to run.
He opened his mouth to ask if she was alright, but the words died on his lips as he noticed movement in the shadows surrounding them. His instincts flared, and he quickly turned to face the approaching threat. From the darkness, shapes began to rise, forming into beings that Riku recognized all too well—Shadow Heartless. But these were different. They had a more equine appearance, their bodies lithe and sinister, with glowing yellow eyes that seemed to pierce through the gloom.
The Heartless moved with a chilling grace, their equine forms weaving through the shadows as more and more of them emerged, surrounding both Riku and the black creature. Riku’s heart raced as he realized they were being outnumbered, the circle of Heartless closing in on them from all sides.
He took a step back, positioning himself between the injured creature and the advancing Heartless. His hand instinctively reached for his Keyblade, summoning the weapon with a flash of light. The familiar weight of the Keyblade in his grasp gave him a small measure of comfort, but he knew he had to act fast. The odds were stacked against them, and the injured changeling behind him wouldn’t be able to defend herself.
"Stay behind me," Riku commanded, his voice firm as he tightened his grip on the Keyblade. "I’ll handle this."
The creature, still trembling from pain and fear, nodded weakly, her wide eyes fixed on the Heartless as they drew closer. Riku could feel her fear, but he pushed his own doubts aside. He had faced worse odds before, and he wasn’t about to let these creatures get the best of him—or harm someone who couldn’t defend herself.
“Alright then. Why don’t you wise guys at least pretend to put up a challenge for me." he taunted, his blade forming in his maw, "Need to good workout to test this new body after all.”
Chrysalis watched from the shadows, her green eyes narrowed in concentration as she observed the silver-maned stallion tear through the hordes of shadowy creatures that had ambushed her earlier. The speed and precision with which he moved were astonishing, each swing of his strange blade cutting down the Heartless with deadly efficiency, his movements fluid and calculated.
For a moment, she was struck by the sheer power emanating from him. She had never seen a pony—or any creature, for that matter—wield such a weapon, let alone with such skill. The stallion was a force to be reckoned with, and the black creatures, despite their numbers, were no match for him. Not even close.
She shifted slightly, wincing as a sharp pain shot through her injured leg. Her pride bristled at the memory of being overpowered by those vile creatures, but she couldn’t deny that without this stranger’s intervention, she would have been in far worse shape. Still, Chrysalis was not one to show gratitude easily, especially to a pony, even one as unusual as this.
As she continued to watch, her mind raced with possibilities. This stallion was not from Equestria—of that much, she was certain. The fact that he had saved her was proof of that. Perhaps there was a way to turn this situation to her advantage.
As the last of the Heartless dissolved into darkness, the stallion paused, his breathing heavy but controlled. He glanced over his shoulder, his eyes locking onto hers for a brief moment. Chrysalis tensed, instinctively pulling back into the shadows. Instead of an look of ire, the stallion seemed to smile, his hooves carrying right towards where she had hidden herself during the whole scuffle.
As the stallion drew closer, she steeled herself, forcing the pain in her leg to the back of her mind. If she was to face him, it would be on her terms. She shifted slightly, allowing just enough of her presence to be visible, her green eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. If he was going to find her, she wouldn’t cower like some helpless creature. She was still a queen, and she would meet him with all the dignity her station commanded.
The stallion finally came to a stop a few paces away from her. Up close, Chrysalis could see the determination in his eyes, tempered by a calm she hadn’t expected. His Keyblade rested at his side, no longer in a combat stance but still ready, should the need arise.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice calm, but with an undercurrent of concern.
Chrysalis blinked in surprise. Of all the things she had anticipated him saying, this was not one of them. For a moment, she simply stared at him, trying to gauge his intent. Was this concern genuine, or was he simply trying to lower her guard?
“I’ve had worse,” she replied, her tone guarded. She lifted her injured leg slightly, making no effort to hide the damage. “But I’m still standing.”
The stallion nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I can help you with that, if you’ll let me.”
Chrysalis’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Why would you help me? You don’t even know who I am.”
He tilted his head slightly, his silver mane catching the faint light as it shifted with the movement. “Maybe not, but I know what it’s like to be in over your head. And I know that those creatures we just fought don’t discriminate. They’ll go after anyone, no matter who they are.”
She studied him closely, trying to find any sign of deceit in his words, but found none. This pony, whoever he was, seemed sincere. It was baffling, to say the least. She was used to manipulating others, bending them to her will, not being on the receiving end of such genuine concern. It left her off balance, unsure of how to proceed.
“You don’t even know my name,” she said, her voice softer, almost probing.
The stallion smiled again, a small, genuine curve of his lips. “Names aren’t always important. But if it makes you feel better, I’m Riku.”
Chrysalis hesitated for a moment longer before deciding to take a calculated risk. She needed more information, and playing along for now might give her the opportunity to learn more about this strange pony.
“Chrysalis,” she finally said, her tone carefully neutral. “I’m Chrysalis.”
Riku nodded as if the name meant nothing to him—another clue that he truly wasn’t from Equestria. “Well, Chrysalis, if you’ll let me, I can at least take a look at that leg. I’ve had some experience with injuries.”
Chrysalis’s instinct was to refuse, to maintain control of the situation. But the throbbing pain in her leg, coupled with the curiosity she felt toward this unusual stallion, made her pause.
“Very well,” she said after a moment. “But don’t think this means I trust you.”
Riku chuckled softly, a sound that was almost disarming. “Fair enough. Trust has to be earned, after all.”
As he approached, Chrysalis's eyes widened slightly when she saw him pull out his blade. It was unlike any weapon she had ever seen—elegant yet menacing, with its black and red design resembling one of his wings, and a feathered pegasus wing jutting from the tip. Her heart raced, instincts screaming at her to retreat, to defend herself from whatever he was planning. But before she could react, before she could even form the words to demand an explanation, he spoke.
“Cure.”
The word was spoken with a calm, almost soothing tone, and in an instant, the blade began to glow with a soft, green light. She felt a warm, tingling sensation spread through her injured leg, the pain easing as the light enveloped her. She blinked in surprise, the tension in her body slowly releasing as the magic did its work.
Within moments, the swelling in her leg began to recede, the dark purple bruise fading until it was almost entirely gone. The pain that had been throbbing with every heartbeat diminished, leaving only a faint ache that quickly disappeared. Chrysalis stared in disbelief as her leg was fully healed, feeling the strength return to her limb.
Riku stepped back, the glow fading from his Keyblade as he sheathed it. “That should help,” he said, his tone still calm and reassuring.
Chrysalis flexed her leg, testing it gingerly. The pain was gone, as if it had never been there in the first place. She looked up at Riku, her expression a mixture of confusion and something she rarely felt—gratitude. But the gratitude was quickly tempered by suspicion. No one did something for nothing, especially not for her. There had to be more to this than simple kindness.
“Why did you do that?” she asked, her voice laced with caution. “You don’t even know me. For all you know, I could be your enemy.”
Riku smiled, a calm and knowing expression that seemed to disarm the tension in the air. "I won't lie to you," he began, his voice steady. "I can sense the darkness within you. It’s something I’ve been around long enough to recognize, and it’s not something I take lightly."
Chrysalis tensed, her eyes narrowing as she prepared for whatever might come next. She was no stranger to being judged for the darkness that clung to her, for the power she wielded. But he continued before she could react, his tone softening.
"But," Riku said, his gaze meeting hers directly, "If I let that stop me from helping someone, especially someone who was running away from the Heartless, then how could I ever face my friend? Sora... he taught me that everyone deserves a chance, that even those who walk in darkness can find their way back to the light."
“Your friend sounds like a fool,” she retorted, her voice sharp and cold.
Riku shook his head with a small, almost amused smile. "Yeah, he kind of is," he admitted, his tone light but genuine. "But that's why I trust him. He sees the good in people, even when no one else does. And I’ve learned that he’s usually right about that." His expression shifted, becoming more focused as he continued, "But it’s not all about being selfless. I need information, and I think you can give it to me."
Chrysalis’s suspicious glare softened into a smirk, the change in Riku’s tone catching her interest. This was something she could relate to—a straightforward exchange, a deal with clear benefits. "Now that," she said, her voice carrying a note of approval, "is something I can understand."
She stretched her newly healed leg, testing it again as she watched Riku with renewed curiosity. His candidness surprised her, and she found herself respecting his honesty, even if she didn’t fully trust him yet.
"So, you want information," Chrysalis continued, her smirk widening. "Kindness in exchange for knowledge, is that it?"
Riku nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Something along those lines."
Chrysalis arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Riku's straightforwardness. "The lay of the land, huh?" she repeated, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I suppose…I can help with that pony.” She circled him slowly, her gaze appraising as she considered his request. "You’re different from the other ponies I’ve encountered. You don’t flinch, and you don’t scare easily. I can respect that. Must be because you are of Luna’s Brood.”
The white stallion raised an eyebrow at that. “What do you mean?”
Chrysalis paused in her slow circling, her smirk widening as she caught the slight confusion in Riku's eyes. "You truly are an outsider, aren't you?" she mused, the amusement clear in her voice. "I assumed you knew, given your appearance."
Riku tilted his head slightly, still unsure of what she was getting at. "What exactly are you talking about?"
She chuckled softly, as if enjoying the rare opportunity to be the one imparting knowledge. "You’re a bat pony—or a thestral, as the Moon Mare prefers to call them. A rare breed, often associated with Princess Luna herself. They are creatures of the night, feared by some, revered by others. And, like you, they tend to have a certain resilience and strength."
Riku glanced at his own wings, giving them a small flap, and then back to Chrysalis. "Bat pony," he repeated, trying to wrap his mind around the term. "Hehe…Fitting I guess." he turns back to face her. “Right, so there’s a princess.”
“Yes indeed—or rather, two.” The tall creature huffed softly as she spoke. “But if you’re interested in Princess Luna, the so-called Mare of the Moon, you’re aiming for the darker side of Equestria’s royalty. She governs the night and all that comes with it—dreams, shadows, and, of course, thestrals like yourself.”
She paused, letting the implications settle before continuing. “Princess Luna resides in Canterlot, the capital city. But I wouldn’t recommend waltzing in there without a plan. The royal sisters, Luna and Celestia, are powerful, and they don’t take kindly to strangers, especially those with unknown intentions. You’ll need more than just the knowledge of where she lives if you want to approach her.”
He nodded thoughtfully, his mind already working through the possibilities. “Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll figure out how to approach her, but at least now I know where to start.”
“Or…Maybe I can get you where you need to go.”
Riku raised an eyebrow at Chrysalis’s sudden offer, his curiosity piqued. “You can get me to Canterlot?” he asked, his tone a mix of interest and skepticism.
Chrysalis smirked, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. “I have my ways. It’s not as if I’m unfamiliar with the royal sisters, after all. And while I may not be welcome in Canterlot under normal circumstances, I know the paths that others don’t. I could guide you there—safely and discreetly.”
Riku considered her offer carefully. He wasn’t a fool. He knew that She wasn’t offering her help out of kindness, but rather because she saw an opportunity. Still, if she could get him to Canterlot without drawing unwanted attention, it might be worth the risk.
“And what’s the catch?” Riku asked, his voice cautious.
Chrysalis chuckled softly, as if pleased by his question. “You’re sharp, I’ll give you that. The catch is simple: I want something in return. Information, perhaps, or a favor when the time comes. You’re a resourceful pony, and I suspect you’ll be quite valuable in the days ahead.”
Riku narrowed his eyes slightly, not entirely surprised by her conditions. “You want to strike a deal, then?”
“Precisely,” Chrysalis replied smoothly. “Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement. I help you get to Canterlot, and in return, you help me with a small matter—nothing too difficult, I assure you. A simple deal.”
“So why does it feel like I’m doing so with a devil.”
Chrysalis's smirk deepened, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and something darker. “A devil, you say?” she purred, her voice dripping with mock offense. “Oh, Riku, you wound me. I prefer to think of myself as a negotiator, someone who sees the potential in every situation. After all, it’s only a deal if both parties benefit, wouldn’t you agree?”
Riku frowned. There was a risk here, he knew it but if worst came to worst he could take out down a peg or two. Her darkness had nothing on what he had achieved after all. “Fine. Partners for now. But I will be keeping an eye on you." He raised a hoof towards her.
Chrysalis’s smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with a mix of satisfaction and amusement. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, Riku. After all, a partnership is only as strong as the trust—or in our case, the caution—between the parties involved.” She would do the same, striking his with the flat of her own in a soft “Clop”.
